In a move designed to support two-wheel-drive and historic competitors, the Motor Sports Association (MSA) has relaxed its position to allow for split fields and more flexible seeding in stage rallying.

In 2015, the MSA reinforced the principle of running a single field, seeded in performance order. However, three years’ progress with rally safety has allowed the governing body to issue new guidelines for running two fields, including a provision to run the first field in reverse seeded order and also to seed by class.

David Richards CBE, MSA Chairman, said: “The MSA’s position on seeding has always been subject to regular review and I’m pleased that we have reached a point where we can once again accommodate two-wheel-drive and historic machinery on the smoothest roads at the front of the field. We have listened to feedback from the sport and trust that this revised approach will be well received by the rallying community.”

Other key updates to the SRSRs include the operational aspects of the recently announced change from yellow to red flags, in line with FIA regulations. Please visit www.msauk.org/rallyfuture.

Image courtesy of Paul Lawrence.

Editor’s notes:

The MSA is the sole national governing body for four-wheel motor sport in the UK, as recognised by the world governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The MSA is a not-for-profit organisation (limited by guarantee) comprising around 750 affiliated motor clubs, which are represented by 13 Regional Associations nationwide. The MSA represents approximately 30,000 competition licence holders and nearly 11,000 volunteer marshals and officials, and issues around 5,000 event permits every year.